2005 LX470 vs VVti 470's (1 Viewer)

[blueyedtuna]

First post... have learned a lot from this place! Thanks in advance for any answers that come my way. I have done some research on this topic, but haven't come across too much in the way of definitive answers.

Can anyone give me a quick and dirty on the differences between these two engines? I know that VVTi boasts more HP and a little more torque, but should this be a major factor in owning a VVti LX470 vs a 2005 LX? I have found a really nice 2005 LX ; one owner, always dealer maintained, looks almost new, texas car no rust etc, but I don't want to go this route if the VVTi is really the only way to go.

Is there a real usable difference between the two engines?

Thanks again!

 

[bamachem]

The additional HP is higher up in the RPM band so you really only see it under heavy acceleration like when passing. The 5-speed A750F transmission is the biggest upgrade over the original drivetrain. The VVTi HP on top of the 5-speed transmission was just the icing on the cake.

The other difference from 2005 to 2006 is the LED tail lights. That's about it as far as I know.

 

[OregonLC]

And don't forget the air injection component bs...

 

[blueyedtuna]

The additional HP is higher up in the RPM band so you really only see it under heavy acceleration like when passing. The 5-speed A750F transmission is the biggest upgrade over the original drivetrain. The VVTi HP on top of the 5-speed transmission was just the icing on the cake.

The other difference from 2005 to 2006 is the LED tail lights. That's about it as far as I know.

Thanks for the response! I really like the 2005 that I am looking at more than any of the 06/07's I am seeing, but I just don't want to go buy an inferior model by just going one year older.

Thanks again!

 

[blueyedtuna]

And don't forget the air injection component bs...

Want to expand on this for me? Do you think the VVti engine is a big upgrade? If you were starting out would you go VVTi or would it not be a major factor?

Thanks!

 

[OregonLC]

Want to expand on this for me? Do you think the VVti engine is a big upgrade? If you were starting out would you go VVTi or would it not be a major factor?

Thanks!

For emission compliance, the 2006 added an air injection pump and peripherial components. Pump is belt driven. The Tundra guys have had problems and so have a few 100 series guys. It's not something that I would worry about too much if I had an 06 or 07, but as others have said the VVTi HP thing is more of a catalog stat than a real-world benefit when off-roading. Wouldn't be something I'd specifically search out. The 03-05's are less expensive and just as capable. The A750F is a very nice upgrade. That alone transforms the truck.

Again, I wouldn't avoid the 06-07, I just wouldn't put them as a 'must have' because of the VVTi.

 

[blueyedtuna]

For emission compliance, the 2006 added an air injection pump and peripherial components. Pump is belt driven. The Tundra guys have had problems and so have a few 100 series guys. It's not something that I would worry about too much if I had an 06 or 07, but as others have said the VVTi HP thing is more of a catalog stat than a real-world benefit when off-roading. Wouldn't be something I'd specifically search out. The 03-05's are less expensive and just as capable. The A750F is a very nice upgrade. That alone transforms the truck.

Again, I wouldn't avoid the 06-07, I just wouldn't put them as a 'must have' because of the VVTi.

Thanks OLC... this is the type of feedback / opinion I was looking for. I would think that the 5 speed trans the 2005 470 would have would be a bigger difference than anything. Again, thanks for the advice.

 

[Nottajeep]

I have the vvti in my LS430. It is Sweeeeet.
Of course that is a slighty different drive train setup, the engine is very similar.and that car hauls it down the road. I have never driven a vvti cruiser but would expect there is noticeable difference over non vvti.



I recommend you drive both and decide then if the price differential is worth it.

Beamed from my Galaxy 4 using IH8MUD to your computer screen

 

[yotasavg]

Any reason you're stuck on an LX over a LC? Just curious, as some of the comfort features on the LX do interest me and I'm sort of jealous.... I also wish I had the 5 speed, but don't get me wrong I'm grateful for what I do have.

 

[OregonLC]

Any reason you're stuck on an LX over a LC? Just curious, as some of the comfort features on the LX do interest me and I'm sort of jealous.... I also wish I had the 5 speed, but don't get me wrong I'm grateful for what I do have.

Not to answer for him, but for the later years there are 2x more LX's available than LCs. LC sales went way down after the Sequoia was introduced in 2001. Didn't affect the LX buyer.

I will say that owning both the LX is significantly more quiet. Part of that may be NVH dampening from the AHC, but I think a lot of it is in sound deadening materials. The pillars and headliner in the LX, for example, are all soft-touch sound absorbing suede. Add folding mirrors, rain sensing wipers, electro-luminescent dash... it's a nice package that's just as rugged.

 

[blueyedtuna]

Not to answer for him, but for the later years there are 2x more LX's available than LCs. LC sales went way down after the Sequoia was introduced in 2001. Didn't affect the LX buyer.

I will say that owning both the LX is significantly more quiet. Part of that may be NVH dampening from the AHC, but I think a lot of it is in sound deadening materials. The pillars and headliner in the LX, for example, are all soft-touch sound absorbing suede. Add folding mirrors, rain sensing wipers, electro-luminescent dash... it's a nice package that's just as rugged.

He hit the nail right on the head. There are more LXs out there first, and second I am more looking for a driver / road trip / weekend ski vehicle than an off-road. This being said I want a quiet more modern feeling ride I can take calls in and have a little more luxury feel to as I log the long miles.

I was considering an exhaust / header / mid-pipe upgrade to get a little more out of the engine, but am worried that may lead to more noise and not much more in the pedal. Would the fact that it's a LX vs an LC help with this noise? I have read conflicting stories; some say to add headers and mid pipe and let the stock cat-back do its thing to keep things quiet, but others (EMS) say that the best bet is to do the opposite. Anyone (OregonLC) have any thoughts on a good way to get a little more out of this ride without risking too much in the way of noise / drone?

Thanks to all...

 

[OregonLC]

The Doug Thorley headers have a VERY slight increase in sound and only at large throttle openings. Its not something a guest would even notice. And (from memory) give you about 20 wheel hp over stock (would need to look at Rob Red's dyno plots to confirm that). The downside is they're time consuming to install. I have them on my LC and there was a small but noticeable improvement. I won't be doing it to the LX unless she develops cracks in the OE bits.

Can't comment on the cat-back stuff.

 

[blueyedtuna]

The Doug Thorley headers have a VERY slight increase in sound and only at large throttle openings. Its not something a guest would even notice. And (from memory) give you about 20 wheel hp over stock (would need to look at Rob Red's dyno plots to confirm that). The downside is they're time consuming to install. I have them on my LC and there was a small but noticeable improvement. I won't be doing it to the LX unless she develops cracks in the OE bits.

Can't comment on the cat-back stuff.

Thanks OLC.... more good info. What years are your LC and LX...just curious.

 

[OregonLC]

In my sig. 2000 LC, mostly built. 2004 LX in mall attire. Both under 100k if you can believe it.

 

[yotasavg]

I didn't even consider the availability factor. It's strange to me because I certainly see more LCs than LXs around here, but Sequoias obviously take the cake for most common.

Good luck on your hunt Tuna, I can't wait for the day when I can justify an LX to keep my LC company.

 

[ChuckB]

I'm perfectly happy with my '04 power-wise. In stock trim I think it gets the job done and I haven't wished I had more. If the '05 is to your liking I would go for it. The 5-spd tranny is nice!

 

[SR.GRINGO]

I'm a fan of the vvt-i....both of the 100's can haul ass.

Someday I want to add Doug Thorley headers.

blueyedtuna you should really drive an 06/07.

 

[2000UZJ]

I'm a fan of the vvt-i....both of the 100's can haul ass. Someday I want to add Doug Thorley headers. blueyedtuna you should really drive an 06/07.

The VVTI and 5 speed is shockingly quick off the line. If your used to a 100 with the 4 speed and non VVTI it will make your jaw drop.

I felt like I was driving a 2WD Tundra.

 

[blueyedtuna]

UPDATE:

I pulled the trigger on the 2005 LX 470. I spent some time looking and I drove a 2006 I was considering. While I didn't throw my foot into the skinny pedal of either so I can't speak to the entire RPM range, but honestly I didn't notice much of a difference from one to the next. The 2006 was actually the same exact asking price as the 05 and less miles (79,000 vs 85,000 on the 2005), but the 2005 was just a VERY clean car. One owner, no accident history, unbelievable service history at a a Lexus dealership only, texas car with zero rust. The car literally looks, smells, and drives like a new car. It also was black on tan I preferred vs the sage green of the 2006. I also think I got a pretty good deal on it from the dealer if I do say so myself.

So there you have it.... I am the proud owner sweet 470.

Thanks to all for their input. I am thinking some DH headers aren't too far off in the future!

 

[TeCKis300]

Congrats on your purchase. And I'm glad you made the decision that was right for you in the end.

Just for posterity for others looking at the same decision...

I drove 3 different LX's during my search. 2 '05s and the '06 I landed on. I did put my foot in the floor in each model, specifically going up freeway on-ramps where I could get a feel for the full powerband.

The VVTi is not only a upper RPM band feature. I maximizes torque throughout the rev band and makes a significant difference. Enough that I almost stepped away form the Hundy due to my perceived lack of power on the '05 models whereas the '06 models brought me back full circle.

A consideration if you choose to tow or really build up a hundy.

Though I will qualify that I'm a power junkie. 500+ hp twin turbo cars will do that to you.